ABSTRACT
Color flow ultrasound-guided compression repair of postcatheterization femoral artery injuries was attempted with the assistance of a C-clamp device in 10 patients. The C-clamp device was designed to hold the transducer in the optimal compression position and eliminate operator fatigue. In nine patients, the lesion was eliminated in a mean compression time of 59 minutes. The C-clamp maintained the transducer in an effective compression position in six procedures; in the other four, intervention to prevent slippage was required.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Peripheral/adverse effects , Femoral Artery/diagnostic imaging , Femoral Artery/injuries , Aged , Constriction , Equipment and Supplies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Transducers , Ultrasonography , Wounds and Injuries/therapyABSTRACT
Ultrasound-guided compression repair (UGCR) of catheterization-related femoral artery injuries was evaluated as a possible new imaging-guided interventional procedure. Thirty-nine femoral artery injuries (35 pseudoaneurysms, four arteriovenous fistulas) were detected with color Doppler flow imaging in patients with enlarging groin hematomas and/or groin bruits 6 hours to 14 days after catheterization procedures. UGCR was not performed in 10 patients due to spontaneous thrombosis (n = 4), infection (n = 1) or skin ischemia (n = 1), unsuitable anatomy (n = 3), or excessive discomfort (n = 1). The remaining 29 patients underwent a full trial of compression therapy, and the lesion was eliminated in 27. Follow-up color flow scans were obtained after 24-72 hours in all 27 successful cases and at 1-15 months in 19; no recurrences or complications occurred. UGCR for acute injuries is safe and technically simple and is promising as a cost-effective, first-line treatment for uncomplicated catheterization-related femoral artery injuries. UGCR is probably not appropriate for long-standing injuries.
